05-05-2008 - Regular
CITY COUNCIL OF EDGEWATER
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 5, 2008
7:00 P.M.
COMMUNITY CENTER
MINUTES
THESE MINUTES WERE DONE FROM NOTES TAKEN BY THE CITY CLERK
DUE TO THE MEETING NOT RECORDING.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Thomas called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00
p.m. in the Community Center.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Michael Thomas
Councilwoman Debra Rogers
Councilwoman Gigi Bennington
Councilwoman Harriet Rhodes
Councilman Ted Cooper
Acting City Manager Tracey Barlow
City Clerk Bonnie Wenzel
Assistant City Attorney Michael Ciocchetti
INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
There was a silent invocation and pledge of allegiance to
the Flag.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Regular Meeting of January 17, 2008
Councilwoman Bennington moved to approve the January 17,
2008 minutes, second by Councilwoman Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
3. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/PLAQUES/CERTIFICATES/DON
ATIONS
A. Mayor to proclaim the week of May 4-10, 2008
Arson Awareness Week
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Council Regular Meeting
May 5,2008
Mayor Thomas read a proclamation declaring May 4-10, 2008
as Arson Awareness Week.
Mayor Thomas spoke about arson and how hard it is to
identify and solve.
B. Mayor to recognize members of Cub Scout Pack 425
for the beautification of 115 E. Park Avenue on
March 26, 2008 and volunteers from the Boys &
Girls Clubs for their assistance at the City of
Edgewater's 1st Environmental Event on April 4,
2008
Tyna Hilton explained what the Boy Scouts did at the site.
She stated they fundraised to purchase the supplies and
completed all of the work as a community service project.
Mayor Thomas recognized each child and presented them with
a certificate.
C. The City of Port Orange to present an award of
Appreciation to the City of Edgewater's Mayor,
City Council and City Manager, acknowledging
continued support participation in the Region
Fire, Rescue & EMS partnership
This item was moved to May 10, 2008.
4. CITIZEN COMMENTS
The following citizens spoke:
Dave Ross, 2803 Needle Palm Drive, talked about his dream
of Edgewater. He stated the City should annex the Miami
Corp property and give them the same rights as Restoration.
He said the City should ensure that the S.R. 415 connection
with a bridge to the beach gets done. He further spoke of
his dream and stated he would continue at the second
citizen comment section.
Don Vosburgh, 110 Whetzel Ave, stated his property has been
vacant for four years and he has not had water services.
He would like to see better numbers as he continues to get
a water bill even though there is no service there.
Councilwoman Rogers asked if he had contacted the water
department. She stated the bill he provided indicated
there was a previous balance. Mr. Vosburgh stated he had
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Council Regular Meeting
May 5, 2008
not. Councilwoman Rogers informed him they should be the
last stop. Councilwoman Rhodes commented on this not being
the first bill. The bill shows the last paYment was made
in 2004. Acting City Manager Barlow asked Finance Director
John McKinney to set up an appointment with him and send it
back to Council if the issue is not resolved. Finance
Director McKinney stated he thought he talked to someone
last week about this property. Mr. Vosburgh stated he may
have put the cart before the horse.
5. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilwoman Bennington had nothing at this time.
Councilwoman Rhodes had nothing at this time.
Councilman Cooper read his report into the record.
(At tached)
Mayor Thomas updated everyone on his recent activities. He
stated he and Acting City Manager Barlow went on WSBB radio
and discussed the budget. He & Councilman Cooper gave a
proclamation at the torch run. He talked about the VCOG
Smart Growth meeting that day and he also provided
information on Cracker Day and the Indian River Cleanup.
He further spoke of these events. He felt each
Councilperson could each do a weekly spot on WSBB. They
could alternate so it would not be too time consuming for
each person. He stated he received a call for someone to
attend the Memorial Ceremony at New Smyrna BeachjEdgewater
Cemetery. Councilman Cooper stated he would be glad to
attend. He stated that the Volusia League of Cities has a
dinner each month each hosted by a different city. He has
noticed that Edgewater has not hosted one since he has been
in office and wondered why. Councilwoman Rhodes stated the
last one Edgewater hosted was at the YMCA after it first
opened.. The hosting cities are on a rotation basis. She
stated that the City does not initiate the dinner. The
consensus of Council was for the City of Edgewater to host
a dinner. They would like City Clerk Wenzel to look into
this.
Robert Burns, Observer, stated he thought the window of
opportunity was between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. for WSBB.
Mayor Thomas stated each Councilperson could pick the
subject to discuss on the air: Councilman Cooper
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reiterated they could pick topics and share the
information.
Councilwoman Rogers had nothing at this time.
6 . CONSENT AGENDA
There were no items on the Consent Agenda to be discussed
at this time.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A. 2nd Reading, Ordinance No. 2006-0-17, James C.
Carder requesting an amendment to the Official
Zoning Map to include .24~ acres of land located
along the southwest corner of Falcon Avenue and
Mariners Gate Court as R-4 (Multi-Family
Residential)
Assistant City Attorney Ciocchetti read Ord. 2006-0-17 into
the record.
Due to there being no comments, Mayor Thomas opened and
closed the public hearing and entertained a motion.
Councilwoman Bennington moved to approve Ord. 2006-0-17,
James C. Carder requesting an amendment to the Official
Zoning Map to include .24+ acres of land located along the
southwest corner of Falcon Avenue and Mariners Gate Court
as R-4 (Multi-Family Residential), second by Councilwoman
Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 5 - 0 .
B. 1st Reading, Res. No. 200B-R-06, Stipulated
Settlement Agreement between the City of
Edgewater and the Department of Community Affairs
to resolve issues of non-compliance related to
the Capital Improvement Element and Public School
Facilities Element of the Comprehensive Plan
Assistant City Attorney Ciocchetti read Res. 200B-R-06 into
the record.
Acting City Manager Barlow gave a summary of concerns
within the Public School Facilities Element of the
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Comprehensive Plan. He stated the DCA wanted additional
language put into the document.
Councilman Cooper explained the language change to those in
the audience.
Mayor Thomas asked if they had a choice. Development
Services Director Darren Lear stated no.
Development Services Director Lear thought they tried to
adopt it by the February 1, 2008 deadline and thought they
were okay.
Mayor Thomas entertained a motion.
Councilwoman Rogers moved to approve Res. 2008-R-06,
Stipulated Settlement Agreement between the City of
Edgewater and the Department of Community Affairs to
resolve issues of non-compliance related to the Capital
Improvement Element and Public School Facilities Element of
the Comprehensive Plan, second by Councilwoman Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 5 - 0 .
C. 1st Reading, Ord. 2008-0-03, Amending the
Comprehensive Plan to include a Pubic Schools
Facilities Element per the Interlocal Agreement
with Volusia County Schools
Assistant City Attorney Ciocchetti read Ord. 2008-0-03 into
the record.
Acting City Manager Barlow explained this Ordinance adopts
the remedial plan for the Public Schools Facilities
Element.
Mayor Thomas entertained a motion.
Councilman Cooper moved to approve Ord. 2008-0-03, Amending
the Comprehensive Plan to include a Pubic Schools
Facilities Element per the Interlocal Agreement with
Volusia County Schools, second by Councilwoman Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 5 - 0 .
8. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
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Council Regular Meeting
May 5,2008
There were no Board Appointments at this time.
9. OTHER BUSINESS
A. SP-0804 - Halstead Resources LLC requesting site
plan approval for a commercial development with a
building footprint of approximately 30,106 square
feet located on W. Marion Avenue
Development Services Director Lear made a staff
presentation. He provided background information and
stated the proposal is for Industrial flex space and that
there would be a 135+ buffer to the residential property to
the north. He stated that staff recommended approval.
Mayor Thomas entertained a motion.
Councilwoman Bennington moved to approve SP-OB04,
conceptual approval for a commercial development with a
building footprint of 30,106+ square feet, second by
Councilwoman Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 5 - 0 .
B. Environmental Monitoring of Wetlands -
Authorization for the Mayor and/or City Manager
to execute Work Order No. 2007-01 with CPH for
engineering services for the monitoring of
wetlands in areas around City wells.
Mayor Thomas stated this item would be continued to a later
date.
C. Sludge Hauling and Disposal - Authorization for
the Mayor to execute an agreement with H&H Liquid
Sludge Disposal to provide services related to
sludge hauling and disposal from the wastewater
treatment plant
Acting City Manager Barlow stated this request was a
renewal of an existing agreement; the City has used this
company since 2003 and recommended approval.
Councilman Cooper asked if the cost had gone up? Acting
City Manager Barlow stated yes, some. Councilwoman
Bennington asked how long the contract was for. Acting
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Council Regular Meeting
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City Manager Barlow stated it had one-year automatic
renewals for five years.
Councilman Cooper moved to approve the agreement with H&H
Liquid Sludge Disposal, Inc. and authorize the Mayor or
Acting City Manager to execute the document, second by
Councilwoman Rogers.
The MOTION CARRIED 5 - 0 .
D. Utility Impact Fee and Rate Study - approval of
Work Order No. 2004-03 and authorization for the
City Manager to execute the document with B & H
Consultants to perform a Utility Impact fee and
Rate Study on all City Utilities
Acting City Manager Barlow stated this is part of the
City's due diligence and studies to organize. They will
not be adopting rates. The study will show them where we
are and where we should be. This is part of the cleanup
and will allow them to account for all services.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked why they needed to pay for a
study and questioned why the Utility Department couldn't do
this? Acting City Manager Barlow stated there was not
enough staff to do this. Councilwoman Rhodes stated this
would require a budget amendment of the General Fund.
Mayor Thomas stated if we don't raise rates we will lose
money in the future.
Finance Director McKinney stated that was a fair assumption
but they have to make sure they are getting a fair rate to
cover costs.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated and they need a $58,000 study to
accomplish this. Councilwoman Rogers stated this was also
an impact fee study. She stated that they could figure out
utility rates.
Finance Director McKinney stated there was a $27,190 fee
for the impact fee. portion of the study. He added that he
and Brenda Dewees could come up with the utility study but
it comes down to time.
Acting City Manager Barlow reminded Council that staff was
also doing the CAFR in-house for the first time right now.
Finance Director McKinney stated the studies would be paid
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Council Regular Meeting
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by water/sewer/refuse/stormwater funds; the money is there
and this was the lowest proposal.
Councilwoman Bennington asked what the time frame was.
Finance Director McKinney stated 90 days. He added that
the cost study, if done in house, would not be done for the
upcoming budget hearings.
Councilman Cooper stated the fee seems to be more than
$58,000. Finance Director McKinney stated since the agenda
was completed the cost came down to $58,000.
Councilman Cooper asked if we could do part of the study?
Finance Director McKinney stated a stormwater rate study
was completed in 2006 but the rate increase was not
implemented, only a cost of living increase was done.
Councilman Cooper stated if we raise rates it seems unfair
to raise the rate to cover the study. He asked if we have
a legal obligation to supply the survey before they raise
rates. Assistant City Attorney Ciocchetti stated there has
to be a nexus between the change and the rate but it could
be done other ways.
Mayor Thomas felt they were between a rock and a hard
place. We have a skeleton crew and not enough time.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated it could be done in August.
Councilwoman Bennington stated if they only do the impact
fee study it would be $27,000. Finance Director McKinney
said no, there were two separate proposals.
Acting City Manager Barlow informed Council they could do
part now and the rest later. Councilwoman Rhodes stated
they could change rates any time. Councilwoman Bennington
stated they should do it all at once. Councilwoman Rogers
felt they needed to do it while they were doing the budget.
Finance Director McKinney stated the study was required by
the Comprehensive Plan. Councilwoman Bennington stated it
would cost them either way. Councilwoman Rogers stated you
have the money. Finance Director McKinney stated it comes
down to time. Councilman Cooper asked him if he and Ms.
Dewees could prioritize three areas what would be the most
important. Finance Director McKinney stated the rate
study.
Finance Director McKinney stated it is a fee for a service.
Councilwoman Rogers stated the utility liens should not
negate what the Code Board has done.
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Mayor Thomas opened public hearing.
The following citizens spoke:
Mike Visconti, 316 Pine Breeze Drive, stated with all our
resources he agreed with Councilwoman Rhodes about spending
$58,000. You tell me there is no one on staff to do it.
Councilwoman Rogers stated she first thought that but no
they have to go forward to clean up and fix this.
Everyone's plate is full. She thinks they need this. Mr.
Visconti asked if John McKinney was capable of completing
the study. Acting City Manager Barlow stated it was not
that that he was not capable. It was that we have many
people doing two jobs. Staff is at capacity and there is
just not enough time. Mr. Visconti stated if they take
more time it would be better. Councilwoman Rhodes stated
that John McKinney convinced her.
Karen Mason, 1847 Coco Palm Drive, asked what use is it to
do the study and asked if they are using last year's
numbers. Councilwoman Rogers stated she assumed they would
use the previous year's data. Councilwoman Bennington
stated they would go 12 months back. Councilman Cooper
asked if they were going to compare this to other cities.
Finance Director McKinney informed him that was correct.
Councilwoman Rhodes moved to approve Work Order 2007-03 and
to authorize the Acting City Manager to execute the
document and the necessary Budget amendment to fund the
study, second by Councilwoman Bennington.
The MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Councilman Cooper voted NO.
E. Paving of North Flagler Avenue - authorization
for the City Manager to execute a contract to
pave 650 feet of North Flagler Avenue, north of
Park Avenue
Acting City Manager Barlow informed Council he was working
with Brenda Dewees and .Darren Lear on getting this road
paved. He stated that Tarmac has offered $20,000 worth of
concrete and the rest at cost. They have a labor quote of
$19,175, which would bring the City's cost to between
$26,675 and $27,500 for the entire job. He stated they are
also trying to contact a gas company to bring their
regional office there and also do some paving. This may
cover the rest of the cost.
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Council Regular Meeting
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Councilman Cooper stated if they go to the railroad our end
of the road would deteriorate quickly. He asked if they
could agree that they (Tarmac) will fix it.
Acting City Manager Barlow stated that all property north
of. the tracks was private. He stated that they couldn't
make them pave the road. They can't make Tarmac take that
responsibility. He stated they are using concrete, which
is more durable. He added that they could stop at 480
feet. Councilwoman Rhodes stated it was a good deal.
Councilwoman Rhodes moved for Acting City Manager Barlow to
do the deal with Tarmac with a ceiling at $30,000 and to
continue negotiations with the gas company, second by
Councilman Cooper.
The MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
F. Ratification of the Police Union Contract
(Teamsters)
Mayor Thomas stated this item would be continued to a later
date.
10. OFFICER REPORTS
A. City Clerk
City Clerk Wenzel updated Council on the Charter Review
Committee to date.
B. City Attorney
Assistant City Attorney Ciocchetti had nothing at this
time.
C. City Manager
1) Tentative Agenda Items
Acting City Manager Barlow stated the Teamsters would vote
on May 27th. He stated he would like to set up a tentative
Executive Session. City Council decided to wait for the
vote then set it if it was needed.
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Council Regular Meeting
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Acting City Manager Barlow informed Council the contract
with Willie Wood had been signed for the Wastewater
Maintenance Building.
Acting City Manager Barlow updated Council on the 4th of
July fireworks. He stated the three boat manufacturing
companies within the City will sponsor the event and there
would be a boat show. He added that there would be no cost
to taxpayers for the event this year.
Councilman Cooper asked if there could be a special
presentation to the boat manufacturers for supporting the
event. Acting City Manager Barlow stated they could do
plaques.
Acting City Manager Barlow stated the grant application was
complete for a traffic light at Turgot and U.S. #1.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked about a traffic light at S.R.
442. Acting City Manager Barlow stated there was a traffic
light planned at Air Park Road. Councilwoman Rhodes stated
she would like to see one closer to the railroad tracks.
Acting City Manager Barlow stated after Air Park Road they
could request Volusia County do a study. Councilman Cooper
asked about the appointment with John Massey. Acting City
Manager Barlow informed him it had not been set yet.
11. CITIZEN COMMENTS
The following citizens spoke:
Mike Visconti, 316 Pine Breeze Drive, stated Memorial Day
was on May 30th, there were two days a year to honor vets.
He would like to see them recognized more. He would like
to see on the next agenda the DVD & song. It is a tribute
to our vets and about five to ten minutes long.
Councilwoman Rhodes suggested playing it prior to the
meeting.
Dave Ross, 2803 Needle Palm Drive, repeated his statements
from earlier. This is not a pipe dream. He was inspired
by the leadership at the Restorations workshop. We need a
new name for the City if the image of Edgewater no longer
applies. He suggested Miami North. He said he will also
honor Miami Corp Road from the center of the State but the
name should not be numbers, it should be "The Mica, Hayman,
Lott, Cooper Road Kill Expressway.
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Council Regular Meeting
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12 . ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting
adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Lisa Bloomer, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Bonnie Wenzel, City Clerk
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Council Regular Meeting
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Council Meeting 5/4/2008
District #4 Report Ted Cooper Councilmen
Qpej
May 24, 2008 YMCA (South East Volusia Family)
The Pool is open every day now at 9:00 AM
Pancake Breakfast this Saturday at the YMCA 8:00 to 12:00 Tickets $5.00 I have a few
left.
Spaghetti Dinner will be regularly set as the 4th Wednesday of every Month.
The Partners with Youth fund raiser is at the half way mark in their goal. Donations are
accepted throughout the year.
The new Flooring and Painting has been completed and plans are being organized to have
some kind of Welcome Back to your YMCA party. Dates and time to be announced later.
The new security system has been installed and they are working out the IP address
procedures so management can view the YMCA from outside locations.
The MPOAC training and planning seminar was held on 4/25, 26, and 27th.
I attended at the request of the MPO of V olusia. It was a very long and tedious ordeal
understanding the funding categories as well as those funding zones that are applicable. As many
of the citizens pointed out in the Special Restoration presentation, Edgewater will need to take a
strong look at projected traffic patterns and expanded roadways. We have approximately 2 years
left to submit the 2035 plan. Some of the things needed, will be sooner than later, but the plans
have to be set during this time frame. As meetings are set I will inform the public of topic of
discussion, concerning our City and surrounding cities.
The ELKS LODGE #1557 on Park Ave., in Edgewater has extended an invitation.
Exhaulted Ruler Larry Skates has opened dialog with the Elks members to extend and
tour of our Summer Children's Camp. The Elks will host the walking tour if the city can help
with supplying the city van for transportation of city delegates. Gas and Mileage will be refunded
by the lodge should city officials wish to attend. Date subject to attendance.
Also the Elks have asked to be part of the cities charitable events. As Elks we co sponsor
food drives, Veterans Services, and offer Therapist with traveling vans for cripples children. We
want to be part of Youth Team sponsorships, as well as "Make A Wish" for Xmas time, and if
the fencing bill boards at the fields are not to expensive purchase one for the season. Our
Summer Camp program will also help trouble or financially stressed families send a child to
camp. We want as Elks to be part of the city of Edgewater and help when and where we can.
Respectfully Reported: By Ted Cooper